Looking at Magic Johnson's rookie year iconic performance in NBA finals that showed greatness in action
Magic Johnson's rookie year was one filled with great success. A few players have come into the league and managed to be high-impact players on Day 1.
Following an impressive stint at Michigan State, the LA Lakers selected Magic Johnson with the first overall pick of the 1979 NBA draft. Little did they know they'd be taking a player who went on to become one of the franchise's greatest players.
During Magic Johnson's rookie year, the fun-loving point guard posted averages of 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists. This impressive output landed him on an All-Star and All-Rookie team, but Magic fell short of winning Rookie of the Year. It went to Larry Bird, who also burst on the scene for the Boston Celtics.
Paired alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers found themselves with one of the league's top duos. Magic Johnson's rookie year ended with LA posting a record of 60-22 and potentially on their way to adding another title to the storied franchise.
Magic Johnson's rookie year finishes in dramatic fashion
When discussing Magic Johnson's rookie year, one game always gets brought up. That being Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals.
In the midst of a heated series with the Philadelphia 76ers, the LA Lakers were just one win away from securing the championship. However, they were without one of their key players.
During Game 5 of the series, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sprained his ankle after landing on someone's foot coming down from a layup. He stayed in and scored 40 points, but was unable to take the floor for the pivotal Game 6.
With no Kareem in the lineup, everything rested on Magic Johnson to carry the load for the Lakers. Despite only being 20-years-old at the time, he managed to come up huge on the game's biggest stage.
Magic Johnson's rookie year then went on to end with one of the greatest performances in NBA Finals history. He logged 47 minutes on the court and posted a stat line of 42 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block.
Beyond this incredible showing, the Lakers managed to win the game by 16 points and secure a championship. Thanks to his heroic efforts in the series-clincher, Magic was awarded the Finals MVP. It was the first of his five title wins, and one of three Finals MVP performances.
From there, Magic went on to become one of the greatest point guards and players in NBA history. The Laker legend was enshrined in to the basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 following an impressive 13-year career.